Outside, Billy had tired of the seven-year-old magazine and was hammering on the door for admittance.

"Can we have a few minutes to think it over?" Claude said.

"Certainly," Stubbs said amiably. "And I want to make it quite clear, Mr. Marshall, that this money is not for me. There's this fellow—"

"Yeah, I know. There's this fellow in Washington. Come on Joan. Let's step outside a moment."


Ten minutes later, Leon Stubbs answered their knock and ushered them to the desk chairs. After they were seated, he said: "I take it you've talked it over."

Claude nodded. "Yes, Mr. Stubbs. My wife and I talked it over and we came to a decision."

"I'm glad," the Director said. "And may I say I think you're doing a wise thing. Centifor's a beautiful place. Simply beautiful...."

"Yes it is," Claude agreed. "It is beautiful. That's why we'd like to see it stay that way."

The Director raised an eyebrow.